Klopp Apologizes to Nagelsmann: I Deserved to Slap Myself

Jürgen Klopp issued a public apology to Germany's national team coach Julian Nagelsmann following the controversy sparked by his previous comments during his appearance as an analyst on "Magenta TV" for the analysis of the 2026 World Cup, after Germany's significant 7-1 victory over Curaçao.

Klopp caused a stir when he said before the match: "Fortunately, Julian Nagelsmann is still choosing the lineup," where the word "still" was understood as a hint at the possibility of the coach's departure or Klopp succeeding him in the future.

After the meeting, Klopp went directly to Nagelsmann, saying literally: "I have to say something. Thomas Müller and I feel like we are part of this team, unofficially of course, but we are with you. I have already found my bad word of the year, which is 'still.' I could have slapped myself for it, but it was too late and I was live on air. It came out of me spontaneously and carries no meaning. I hope people understand that." He added jokingly: "I discovered something else, I will turn fifty-nine in two days and I'm still a fool."

The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach affirmed his full support for Nagelsmann and the coaching staff, emphasizing that his comments were not intended to distract the team during the World Cup. The two exchanged greetings in a friendly atmosphere, while Nagelsmann had handled the issue calmly from the start.